Knicks Hold Off Bobcats

How it happened:
In a game that featured both teams holding double-digit leads, the final outcome was not decided until the final seconds. The Knicks grabbed an 80-75 lead with 5:30 remaining in the game behind Amar’e Stoudemire’s 25 points. Charlotte fought hard down the stretch and D.J. Augustin hit a 3-pointer with under three minutes in the final stanza to the tie the game 82-82. New York would grab the lead back with 13.9 seconds as Landry Fields hit 1-of-2 free throws. However, Augustin drilled an incredible fadeaway 3-pointer with just 10 seconds left to slice the Knicks advantage to one point. Carmelo Anthony would knockdown 1-of-2 free throws as well and Augustin could not duplicate his magic. Anthony finished with 22 points and six assists in New York’s third consecutive victory (5-4) and first home win since Christmas Day.

Key Stat:
The Knicks reached the free throw line 40 times on Monday night and connected on 75 percent of those attempts for 30 points.

Quotable:
“They responded well. This is not a group I have to worry about calling a timeout. It is a great group because you don’t have to cheerlead…you just have to coach them. We have a long way to go but the spirit is great.” -- head coach Mike D’Antoni

Top Knick:
Stoudemire remained aggressive in tonight’s home contest, capitalizing on his 13 trips to the free throw line. The Knicks big man also cleaned the glass, posting 12 boards in 38 minutes. After a slow start to the season and a nagging ankle injury, Stoudemire is showing signs that he is back to playing All-Star caliber basketball and blending nicely with new cast surrounding him in the lineup.

Rookie Report:
Once again, Shumpert looked nothing like a rookie in his second start of the 2011-12 season. The 6-5 point guard was effective throughout his 34 minutes of game action by scoring 16 points on 7-for-13 shooting along with hauling down six boards, and dishing out four assists. The growing confidence is clearly evident and his role will continue to grow over the course of the year.

Looking Ahead:
Feeling the good vibes from three straight wins, the Knicks will head back to Madison Square Garden Training Center for a practice session on Tuesday.

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